At Des Moines Dental Center, we provide orthodontics services for children and adults looking to straighten their teeth and align their jaw. Orthodontics is the study and treatment of dental displacement and malocclusions. As an orthodontist, we can treat any issues pertaining to the jaw. We can also move and adjust teeth, even if they are fully formed and hardened. This makes it possible to straighten teeth in adults, rather than only children.

Due to the various specialties in orthodontia, some orthodontists may only treat children instead of adults. Additionally, dentofacial orthopedics is an area of orthodontic care that involves more surgical elements in order to correct issues with the jaw or face. Overall, an orthodontist in Washington treats the position of teeth and the jaw; while also changing the overall shape and appearance of a patient’s face. At Des Moines Dental Center, we find that many of our patients are pleasantly surprised by how dramatically different they look once their orthodontic treatment is complete.

Orthodontia was technically the first specialty created in the field of dentistry. In order to become an orthodontist, members of our professional team had to complete additional schooling along with dental school. An orthodontist continues to train until he or she becomes a true expert at straightening teeth and aligning the jaw. This ensures dependable and reliable results for patients seeking orthodontic care. If you live in the Des Moines area and are considering straightening your teeth, we invite you to call (206) 408-8541 and schedule a consultation to meet with Dr. Steven Reeves. We will discuss your goals along with the treatment options that are available to you.

Why Orthodontics is NecessaryAs a Des Moines orthodontist, we find that many children suffer from overcrowding teeth issues, creating the need for our procedures. Overcrowding can cause teeth to grow in at incorrect or crooked positions, leading to difficulties as an adult.

Whether from an accident or a lack of oral hygiene, when a baby tooth falls out prematurely, the teeth around it move into the open space. This can cause the shape of the palate to change, taking up the room the adult tooth needs to grow in properly. In the past, many people had their teeth pulled in order to make space for all of their permanent teeth. Now, we can create space in your teeth using a variety of treatment methods.

At Des Moines Dental Center, we also treat patients using orthodontics if their jaw is out of place. This can make it painful to speak, chew and even open one’s mouth. When the bite is off, many people find simple daily activities uncomfortable and seek treatment as a result. In other cases, we provide solutions for teeth that have grown in crooked, even if there was enough space for them. Fortunately, orthodontic treatment can resolve all of these issues.

The ProcedureIf you are considering straightening your teeth, there are several ways to do so. Regardless of the option you choose, the concept is virtually the same. The appliance must consistently apply pressure to move the teeth into position. We cannot force teeth into place immediately. There must be slow and consistent pressure in order to ensure that the teeth move without being damaged. Therefore, we do not apply pressure to all of the teeth at the same time. Instead, we apply pressure to specific teeth. An adjustment is made to apply additional force to a different tooth or teeth while holding the other ones in place.

When treating patients throughout Des Moines we are cognizant of the importance of continued oral health care. We recommend that patients do a thorough job of regularly brushing and flossing their teeth. This will decrease the risk of cavities and gum disease while receiving orthodontic care.

Once the procedure is over, most patients are required to wear a retainer. Children and adults often find themselves wearing a retainer for life. Ongoing retention ensures that teeth do not move back into their previous position – a risk with any orthodontics treatment.

Treatment OptionsAt Des Moines Dental Center, we are proud to provide patients throughout Washington with the ability to straighten their teeth and love their smile. There are multiple ways to move teeth into position, many of which, we offer at our office. Orthodontic solutions include:

Spacers and ExpandersSpacers and expanders are used prior to, or in conjunction with, wearing braces. When a patient suffers from overcrowding issues, these solutions can make space for the other teeth. It is critical for there to be room for teeth to move to, or the perfect smile will never be achieved. At times, children will wear an expander years before actually getting braces. This can help teeth to grow into the proper position; or at least, close to it.

Metal BracesTraditional metal braces are still an excellent way to straighten teeth. If you would like more information, we invite you to call 206-408-8541 to schedule a consultation. Technology has improved braces to where the brackets and wires are smaller than they once were. This has made braces more comfortable and less conspicuous at the same time. Simultaneously, smaller brackets mean that there are fewer opportunities for food to become stuck or for awkward photos. This form of braces is the best solution for children and at Des Moines Dental Center and we highly recommend considering orthodontics as early as seven years of age. However, the actual start time depends on the child and their teeth.

Clear AlignersWe work with patients throughout the local area that are interested in straightening their teeth but (206) 408-8541 do not like the look or feel of traditional braces. In this case, clear aligners can accomplish the same or similar goals without making it obvious. Invisalign® use aligners to straighten teeth. With this consistent pressure applied, teeth will gradually move into position as they do when wearing braces. The aligners themselves look like full, clear retainers and are meant to be worn for around 22 hours per day.

If you would like to learn more about orthodontics and the various treatments we provide, call 206-408-8541 to schedule a consultation.

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Definition of Orthodontic Terminology

Cephalometric X-Rays

An x-ray of the head that shows whether your teeth are aligned properly, and whether they are growing properly.

Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment usually done when you are 6-8. The objective of interceptive orthodontic treatment is to expand your palate and make other corrections, so that your later orthodontic treatment goes quicker and is less painful.

Lingual appliances

Orthodontic appliance fixed to the inside of your teeth. i.e. Lingual appliances are attached to the part of your teeth next to your tongue.